What are Vintage Sunglasses? – All about Vintage Sunglasses
'Vintage' is a standard linguistic jargon that refers to all accessories of the past few eras. Anything that falls into the vintage category holds a significant value and follows the standard fashion requirements.
What are Vintage sunglasses?
Vintage sunglasses is an all-inclusive term for eyewear originating from past decades. The original vintage sunglasses will reflect the style and standards of the previous fashion trends starting from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Sunglasses became a fashion accessory when our favorite fashion icons and influential personalities started wearing them in public or sported them in the cinematic world. This is especially during the '40s and '90s – when sunglasses became a popular trend among industrial celebrities. Rock stars and pop culture icons promoted several branded sunglasses, while several of these brands collaborated with the big names to promote their products, either making a one-of-a-kind item or designing a celebrity-inspired product. It also means that brands custom-made sunglasses with enviable craftsmanship that made them survive the test of time. When these branded sunglasses of the past land in your hands, you know they are vintage!
Types of vintage sunglasses:
When it comes to sunglasses, there are so many different styles to choose from. And, when you're looking for a pair of vintage sunglasses, the options are even more vast. To help you narrow down your search, we've put together a guide to the different types of vintage sunglasses, from round to aviator to oversized and more.
Round: Round sunglasses are a classic style that never goes out of fashion. If you're looking for a pair of vintage round sunglasses, you'll be spoilt for choice. From small, delicate frames to large, statement-making styles, there's a round sunglass style to suit everyone.
Aviator: Aviator sunglasses were first designed for pilots in the early 20th century, but they quickly became a style icon. Today, aviator sunglasses are just as popular as ever. If you're looking for a pair of vintage aviator sunglasses, you'll find plenty of options to choose from.
Oversized: Oversized sunglasses are a great way to make a statement. If you're looking for a pair of vintage oversized sunglasses, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. From large, round styles to cat-eye and rectangular frames, there's an oversized sunglass style to suit everyone.
Rectangle: Rectangle sunglasses are a timeless style that never goes out of fashion. If you're looking for a pair of vintage rectangle sunglasses, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. From small, delicate frames to large, statement-making styles, there's a rectangle sunglass style to suit everyone.
Metal: Metal sunglasses are a great way to add a touch of luxury to your look. If you're looking for a pair of vintage metal sunglasses, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. From gold to silver to bronze, there's a metal sunglass style to suit everyone.
Square: Square sunglasses are a great way to add a touch of edge to your look. If you're looking for a pair of vintage square sunglasses, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. From small, delicate frames to large, statement-making styles, there's a square sunglass style to suit everyone.
Rimless: Rimless sunglasses are a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your look. If you're looking for a pair of vintage rimless sunglasses, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. From small, delicate frames to large, statement-making styles, there's a rimless sunglass style to suit everyone.
3 reasons why people go for vintage sunglasses
You must have noticed that many fashion moguls almost go gaga over vintage sunglasses when it comes to fashion. Vintage not only holds a nostalgic value but also is one of a kind product that adds a classy touch to your style. Below are three absolute points why people can't resist vintage fashion.
It is a benchmark of social status
When sunglasses rose to popularity in the past decades, brands found a way to market their products by teaming up with celebrities. When famous people sported branded sunglasses, they quickly became an indicator of social status—an accessory of the elites.
It was also the cultural influence that unfurled in the mind of the middle-class. With wartime at its peak, the poor survived on old garments, while the rich flaunted items handed down from families. As painful as the stigma is, it still gnaws on the minds of society. Vintage Sunglasses now—or anything vintage—comes with the connotations of the same nobility that rested in the minds of the past societies giving a sense of royalty to its owners.
Vintage sunglasses are a one-of-a-kind product
Every eyewear brand has a story behind it that makes its products unique. For instance, Alpina Sunglasses from the 80s and the 90s are famous for their oversized polarized eyewear, designed to offer the comfort of the eyes of ski and snowboard lovers. The collaboration of Boeing and Carrera in the 1980s aimed at providing pilots high-performance eyewear that would shield them from the glaring sun up in the sky when fighting off the enemies.
The Vintage Ferrari sunglasses are famous for their prestigious designs and look, while Ray-Ban is known for its Aviator and Wayfarer lines with colorful lenses. Some favorite Carrera sunglasses were custom-made for movies and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Brad Pitt, which are now available on the top shelves of stores that sell vintage sunglasses. Each vintage product has bided its time from history and come with its unique tale making it one-of-a-kind.
They are your environmental hero
Believe it or not, vintage sunglasses are the new environmental hero that saves the world from needless carbon footprints and toxic waste produced by fast fashion. By obsessing over vintage products and bringing them back on trend, we are pressing a pause on producing several fashion items that are made every year only to be out of the fashion the very next minute.
Celebrities cash in their fame to promote vintage fashion on their own because they know its worth. You must have noticed that many famous names who care for the environment are often seen sporting vintage frames either in their Instagram pictures or in paparazzi shots.
Vintage vs. Retro vs. Antique
To know what are vintage sunglasses, it is important that you know the difference between vintage, retro, and antique. Anything that is a 100-year-old and has aesthetic value is considered antique, while vintage is a product of value but hasn't aged more than 100 years.
Vintage is also often confused with retro and antique. Retro styles are the impersonation of old products that got fame in the early centuries but are no longer available. On the other hand, vintage products are the authentic pieces of history that have clawed their way into the present time.
How can you identify authentic Vintage Sunglasses?
Vintage sunglasses shops that offer authentic vintage frames make sure that these frames from history reach buyers with their actual value attached. Vintage sunglasses have not just been the fashion statement of several big names, but they also offer unparalleled high quality. So when you come across a vintage frame, keep in mind these qualities and let the original product speak for itself.